Myford ML??

Hi everybody, this is my first post on here, i have recently got hold of a small myford lathe for a very low price but i haven't got a clue what type it even is, does anybody have any idea? serial number is LM78 and what is either an 'L' or a worn '1'.

I cant find any information regarding this number anywhere so im assuming its a foundry mark of some kind?

thanks in advance,

Jack

ML2 possiby, have a look here

Welcome Jack

That is pretty much the same as my first lathe although mine was grey and didn't have the "legs". (I guess that these had been removed at some time and the machine converted for bench use. )

When I bought this I was told that it was an ML4 but a recent thread here has led me to question that and I now think that ML 2 or 3 is more likely. However, if you read Jason's link, you may then be able to decide - and just which model you have is really of little consequence.

As a beginner I found the flat belt drive useful. Any ham - fisted operation by me causing a dig-in tended to throw the flat belt off the pulleys and disaster was thus avoided! Your lathe is an old lady now and deserves gentle treatment..

I spent many happy hours with my first Myford and I hope that you will too.

I subsequently changed it for an ML10 and then a Super 7. There are those here who decry Myfords but I've always lived happily with each of mine.

Good Luck

Norman

Looking at the Lathes.co.uk page it's a 2 as it has a bolt on headstock, not a 4 as that would be 24" between centres. The tailstock, dewhurst switch and gear cover suggest it may be a later model, but I get the idea you really need to examine it 'in the metal' to be sure.

Neil